Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

Shipwreck Report: Steamer ATLANTIC

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: ATLANTIC
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Date of Incident: August 20, 1852
• Builder: John L. Wolverton
• Year Built: 1848
• Location Built: Newport (Marine City), Michigan
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 265.7 feet (81 meters)
  • Beam: 33 feet (10 meters)
  • Depth: 13.6 feet (4.1 meters)
• Decks: Two
• Propulsion: Hogg & Delamater beam engine (60″ x 132″), two 10′ x 34′ boilers, 32-foot diameter sidewheels
• Final Location: Lake Erie, approximately 18 miles off Long Point, Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not provided
• Depth: Unknown
• Condition: Wreck lost; partially salvaged

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ATLANTIC was a luxurious and fast sidewheel steamer built for passenger and freight service on the Great Lakes. Known for its impressive size and palatial amenities, the vessel was among the most advanced of its era. Its design, featuring a powerful beam engine and large sidewheels, enabled it to achieve considerable speed while accommodating a significant number of passengers and cargo. The steamer was a symbol of 19th-century innovation in maritime engineering and transportation.

HISTORY

Service Life

The ATLANTIC was launched in 1848 and quickly became a popular choice for Great Lakes travelers, renowned for its speed and comfort. Owned by E.B. Ward of Detroit, it served as a key transport vessel during a period of rapid growth and immigration in the region. The ship frequently carried passengers, including immigrants seeking new opportunities, as well as freight across the Great Lakes.

The Tragedy

On the fateful night of August 20, 1852, the ATLANTIC collided with the propeller freighter OGDENSBURG near Long Point on Lake Erie. The collision caused extensive damage to the ATLANTIC, extinguishing its fires and leaving the vessel powerless. Within moments, the steamer sank, claiming the lives of an estimated 150 to 250 passengers, although the exact number remains uncertain due to the loss of the passenger manifest.

The sinking of the ATLANTIC shocked the public, highlighting the risks associated with maritime travel in the 19th century. The majority of the victims were believed to be immigrants, adding to the tragedy’s poignancy.

SALVAGE ATTEMPTS & LEGAL BATTLES

• 1853: E.B. Ward initiated legal action against the owners of the OGDENSBURG, seeking compensation for the loss of the ATLANTIC and its cargo.
• 1854: Early salvage efforts succeeded in raising one of the ATLANTIC’s boilers, led by Isa Coffin.
• 1856: Diver Elliot P. Harrington recovered the ship’s safe, though much of the wreck remained inaccessible.
• 1853 (Experimental Submarine): Lodner Phillips attempted to salvage the wreck using a prototype submarine. However, the submarine itself was lost during a test dive, possibly recovered in 1991.

Legal Disputes

In the 1990s, claims over the wreck of the ATLANTIC sparked a series of legal disputes:

• Mar Dive Corp. (U.S.) and Michael Fletcher (Canada) both laid claim to the wreck.
• The Ontario Government asserted jurisdiction under provincial law.
• Court cases debated salvage rights, ownership, and cross-border legal authority, illustrating the complexities of shipwreck management in the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the ATLANTIC rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, its precise location and condition largely unknown. Partial salvage operations in the 19th century recovered some artifacts, but the majority of the vessel remains unexplored. Ongoing legal and jurisdictional disputes have further complicated efforts to study or recover the wreck in modern times.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the ATLANTIC wreck. However, divers and researchers should exercise caution due to the legal and preservation issues surrounding the site.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The ATLANTIC’s condition is uncertain. Submerged for over 170 years, it is likely that the wooden structure has deteriorated significantly. Salvage efforts in the 19th century and natural decay have left the wreck fragmented. The depth and location remain unclear, and its inaccessibility has preserved its status as a mysterious and historically significant wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships: Database of historical vessel records.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive archive of shipwrecks and events.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed information on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
• Steamboats of the Great Lakes: History and technical details on Great Lakes vessels.
• Historical Markers Database: Context for notable maritime sites.

CONCLUSION

The ATLANTIC’s story reflects the perils of early Great Lakes navigation, where the intersection of burgeoning technology and unpredictable weather often resulted in tragedy. The steamer’s ill-fated collision with the OGDENSBURG and subsequent legal battles have cemented its place in maritime lore. Though much about the wreck remains shrouded in mystery, the ATLANTIC serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of 19th-century maritime progress.

KEYWORDS

#ATLANTIC #SidewheelSteamer #LakeErie #GreatLakesShipwrecks #1852Collision #MaritimeHistory #E.B.Ward #SteamerATLANTIC

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